Celebrations across Canada marked National Indigenous Peoples Day June 21, when the sun in the northern hemisphere travels its longest path across the sky. The summer solstice is a time of spiritual renewal and historically a time when Cree families returned from winter and spring camps.
Cree communities recognized the day with cultural activities. The Cree and Inuit of Whapmagoostui-Kuujjuaraapik celebrated at First Point (Tikiraq) with a fishing derby, photo hunt, traditional food, fashion contest and log games.
Waskaganish commemorated “the languages reclaimed from silence, and the storytellers, young and old, who carry them forward.” As Robin Gull-Saganash from Waswanipi said, “We honour those who came before us, and we walk proudly as the ones who carry our culture forward.” And Chisasibi Cree Nation declared, “Let us take pride in who we are and who we are becoming.”
A community feast in Mistissini celebrated 24 young hunters who had harvested their first geese while evening performances included John Henry Shecapio, Patrick Petawabano, Philip Coonishish, Ezekiel Mianscum and Breeze Entertainment (aka Phil Brien). The youth council organized an afternoon barbecue with free refreshments like “rezberry splash”.
“I’m still feeling the energy from that experience,” said Brien, who also hosts workshops for youth involving spray paint art and dance. “The connection, joy and laughter I saw was absolutely touching. I’m filled with pride being Indigenous, celebrating our culture and traditions.”
A special moment for Brien because it was his first show his father attended, he is also excited to soon play his mix of hip hop, country and rock in Montreal for the first time.
“To all the youth out there, do what you love, and the passion will guide you forward,” Brien said. “Never forget where you come from and the resilience of your ancestors. Your voice matters, your story matters, and your future is bright.”
Across the province, Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations are growing larger each year. The Land InSIGHTS ceremony at Montreal’s Old Port began with Mohawk Elder Sedalia Fazio lighting the sacred fire, followed by a tobacco ceremony and drum and dance performances.
“The real importance of this day is that people are finally starting to realize we’re here, we’ve always been here, and we’re not going anywhere,” remarked Fazio. “There’s been a shift among both Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. Young Indigenous people are happier to be Indigenous than when we were young.”
At Cabot Square, the Native Women’s Shelter of Montreal and POP Montreal hosted a free concert that included Miesha and the Spanks, Digawolf and Leonard Sumner. Elder Ka’nahsohon Kevin Deer opened the event as the popular soapstone carving workshops and Scott Sinquah Family Hoop Dancers returned for another year.
“It’s a beautiful day to be Indigenous,” exclaimed NWSM executive director Nakuset. “From beginning to end, it was perfect. For me, it’s the best day of the year.”
With a stressful job supporting the urban homeless population, she is grateful to POP for accessing grants and bringing in artists from across the country.
“Everything was so easy to put together and flawless,” Nakuset said. “They [POP Montreal] fly people down, put them in hotels and pay for their performance. Jason Nuaq couldn’t get a flight, so Leonard Sumner came in from Little Saskatchewan in Winnipeg.”
Native Montreal hosted an event in nearby Verdun featuring Backwater Township, throat singers Nina and Sierra Segalowitz, and female drumming group Pow Wow Rangers. The family-friendly gathering included Inuit games, Indigenous artwork, a “kokum cook-off” and seal stew.
“It is really important for [the Inuit] to have a place they can go where people look like them, speak like them, and can help navigate southern environments,” said co-organizer Tina Pisuktie, executive director of the Southern Quebec Inuit Association.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante invited members of the Cree Native Arts and Crafts Association and other Indigenous groups to city hall.
“The event with Valérie Plante was very meaningful,” said CNACA executive director Dale Cooper. “I spoke with a lot of Indigenous groups, making connections with people across the city who want to showcase our artists.”
Cooper said there is talk about showcases for Cree artists at the Sanaaq Cultural Centre and the Biodome. He added that the Wachiya Store’s visibility enables CNACA to advocate for Indigenous intellectual property rights.
Seeing mass-produced Indigenous imitations in Montreal stores, Cooper recently called for a Cree-led approach to protect local artists from exploitation at a Cree Nation board council meeting.
“We try to teach the customers about the artists and the message behind the products,” Cooper explained. “We’re trying to push cultural appreciation versus appropriation. When they purchase from Wachiya, they’re directly helping the artists to keep that momentum so teachings can get passed from generation to generation.”